Children's Home run by Homes for Support in Cheshire East

Assurance inspection report for children’s home: 2647770 1 Registered provider: Homes for Support Limited

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Inspected under the social care common inspection framework

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Information about this children’s home

This home is operated by a private organisation. The managers at the home have recently carried out a review and amended their statement of purpose. They now provide care for up to six children on a medium- to long-term basis.

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Information about this children’s home

On the day of the inspection, one child was living at the home and another was on a planned transition to another home that is situated close by.

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Information about this children’s home

The manager is in the process of applying to register with Ofsted.

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Information about this children’s home

Judgement at last inspection: requires improvement to be good

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Information about this children’s home

Enforcement action since last inspection: none

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Information about this inspection

At this inspection, the inspector evaluated:

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Information about this inspection

 the care of children  the safety of children  the effectiveness of leaders and managers. Inspectors have looked closely at the experiences and progress of children, using the social care common inspection framework. This assurance inspection was carried out under the Care Standards Act 2000 to assess the effectiveness of the service, how it meets the core functions of the service as set out in legislation, and to consider how well it complies with the Children’s Homes (England) Regulations 2015 and the ‘Guide to the Children’s Homes Regulations, including the quality standards’. Assurance inspection report for children’s home: 2647770 2

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Findings from the inspection

We did not identify any serious or widespread concerns in relation to the care or protection of children at this assurance inspection.

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The care of children

Since the last inspection, there has been a significant period of change. The registered manager and responsible individual have left, and a new manager and responsible individual have been appointed.

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The care of children

In August 2022, three younger children from one family came to live at the home and stayed until November. The staff supported the family, worked with the local authority and helped the children to move to planned long-term placements. The staff have remained in touch with the children, who continue to make good progress.

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The care of children

Children said that they enjoy good relationships with the staff, who provide ongoing help and support. One child wrote, ‘All the staff here are very kind and caring. They will always look out for you and be there for you when you need them, whether it’s to ask a question or just need support.’

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The care of children

Children are engaged with education. One child attends college, and staff provide transport and active support to encourage good participation and attendance to increase the chances of a positive experience.

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The care of children

As one child has only recently moved to live at the home, staff are actively working with the placing authority and local services to secure a school place for her. In the meantime, a tutor has been appointed to provide education support and to ensure that there is minimal disruption to her learning.

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The care of children

The staff are helping children to keep in touch with family and close friends. This includes providing transport for visits that are a considerable distance away from the home and keeping in touch via phone calls and text messages to ensure that they stay safe and well.

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The safety of children

No child has gone missing from home since the last inspection, and none have made a complaint.

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The safety of children

The staff recognised quickly that they could not keep one child completely safe, and they took appropriate action to ensure their welfare.

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The safety of children

The new staff team has received training on a range of topics, including the safe use of restraint and safeguarding. Assurance inspection report for children’s home: 2647770 3 The manager has created detailed risk assessments for each child that are based on the information known at the time of admission. The manager intends to keep these updated as they get to know more about each child and any risks they may present.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers

After a period of closure, managers have reopened the home as a registered children’s home instead of an outreach and edge of care service. Managers have applied to vary the condition of registration and amended the statement of purpose to reflect the changes.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers

Managers have recruited a new staff team that has undertaken an extensive training programme to prepare staff for their new roles. There are sufficient staff for the number of children living at the home.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers

The manager and staff receive regular supervision that helps them to reflect on their practice and discuss any difficulties that they have encountered. One staff member reported, ‘I work alongside a really knowledgeable manager with a great staff team who give the children the best care provided.’

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers

The managers appointed a new independent person to carry out the external monthly visits. The visitor carries out the visits at times when the children are present and discusses any worries or concerns they may have. The reports are detailed and provide appropriate recommendations for the managers to consider.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers

The requirements and recommendations made at the last inspection have been met. Assurance inspection report for children’s home: 2647770 4

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Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement

09/08/2022 Full Requires improvement to be good 16/03/2022 Interim Sustained effectiveness 14/12/2021 Full Requires improvement to be good Assurance inspection report for children’s home: 2647770 5

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Children’s home details

Registered provider: Homes for Support Limited

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Children’s home details

Registered provider address: Northern House, 3 Kennerleys Lane, Wilmslow SK9 5EQ

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Inspector

Helen Humphreys, His Majesty’s Inspector Assurance inspection report for children’s home: 2647770 6 to achieve excellence in the care of children and young people, and in education and skills for learners of all ages. It regulates and inspects childcare and children’s social care, and inspects the Children and Family Court Advisory and Support Service (Cafcass), schools, colleges, initial teacher training, further education and skills, adult and community learning, and education and training in prisons and other secure establishments. It assesses council children’s services, and inspects services for children looked after, safeguarding and child protection.

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Inspector

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Inspector

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